Peer-based models of supportive care: the impact of peer support groups in African American breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE/

OBJECTIVES

To examine the impact of support groups among African American breast cancer survivors (BCSs).

RESEARCH APPROACH: A qualitative research study.

SETTING

Community health and cancer centers and churches.

PARTICIPANTS

62 African American BCSs.

METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Focus groups were conducted with African American BCSs to share their experiences with peer-based support groups. A brief questionnaire was administered and assessed demographics, medical history, and support group impact.

FINDINGS: Survivors emphasized that a culturally embedded focus was essential for their participation in a cancer support group. The survivors underscored that cultural-based groups are rooted in the spiritual, linguistic, experiential, and historical contexts of the intended constituents. The peer-based support groups provided multilevel functions, including emotional, social, spiritual, informational, and financial support, as well as patient navigation. The groups' activities fostered personal development and a call to community advocacy that included prevention education and research engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

The unique strengths of grassroots community-based support groups are that they are culturally consonant, peer-based, and responsive to cancer-related and personal needs. The contribution and value of those multifaceted peer-based groups expand the paradigm of supportive care, extending the net of psychosocial care to underserved and underrepresented cancer survivors.

INTERPRETATION: Research provides the critical foundation to lead and articulate the studies necessary to bridge peer- and professional-based care to ensure the psychosocial needs of increasingly diverse survivors are met.